Educational Resource
Understanding U.S. Employment Visa Programs
A comprehensive guide to employment-based visa programs, their intended purposes, and how they impact the American workforce.
Core Immigration Programs
H-1B Visa Program
Intended Role
Designed to allow companies to hire skilled foreign workers in specialized fields.
Common Exploitation
Dominated by outsourcing firms flooding the system with applications.
Optional Practical Training (OPT)
Intended Role
Allows foreign students to gain work experience.
Common Exploitation
Used as a backdoor to H-1B sponsorships.
PERM Labor Certification
Intended Role
Ensures green cards are issued only when no qualified Americans are available.
Common Exploitation
Employers manipulate job ads and requirements.
L-1 Visa Program
Intended Role
Allows transfer of executives or specialized knowledge employees.
Common Exploitation
Used for cheaper labor and offshoring preparation.